Tamper-Indicative Hatch for Disposable Fruit Sampling Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current disposable plastic containers for fruit sampling in stacked crates lack a non-destructive means for sampling and do not provide a tamper-indicative mechanism for sample removal.
Innovation Solution
The development of disposable containers with a tamper-indicative hatch for sample removal, featuring a hatch door surrounded by perforations or a peripheral groove, connected by a bendable hinge and cleavable interconnectors, allowing for manual and non-destructive sample removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional plastic containers are cut open for sampling using a knife, then sample removal is achieved, but the fruit and container structure are damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The container wall is segmented into a hatch door portion and a remaining container body through perforations or a peripheral groove. The hatch door can be separated from the main container structure, allowing sample access without compromising the integrity of the entire container. The perforations or groove create a predetermined separation line that enables clean detachment of the hatch door from the container body.
Solution Approach 2:
The perforations or peripheral groove are pre-formed in the container wall during manufacturing, creating a predetermined fracture line or separation path. This preliminary structural feature enables easy hatch door removal when needed, while preventing accidental damage during normal handling. The bendable hinge portion is also pre-configured to allow controlled opening without requiring forceful cutting actions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a hatch door is added for non-destructive sampling, then sample removal capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hatch door is merged with the container wall through a bendable hinge portion, creating an integrated yet movable structure. The hinge portion is formed as an integral part of the container wall, eliminating the need for separate hinge components. The perforations or peripheral groove are directly formed in the container wall material, combining the sealing and separation functions into a single structural feature.
Solution Approach 2:
The bendable hinge portion acts as a flexible connection between the hatch door and container body, allowing the hatch door to be opened and closed without rigid mechanical joints. The thin wall material of the container can be bent along the hinge portion to create the opening motion, utilizing the inherent flexibility of the plastic material rather than requiring complex mechanical hinges.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the hatch door is permanently connected to the container, then structural integrity is maintained, but tamper indication capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
Cleavable tamper indicative interconnectors are pre-attached to both the hatch door and the container body during manufacturing. These interconnectors maintain the permanent connection and tamper indication capability simultaneously by being designed to break only upon intentional opening. The interconnectors are positioned and configured in advance to provide both structural support and tamper evidence functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between hatch door and container has different local qualities: the bendable hinge portion allows flexible opening motion, while the cleavable tamper indicative interconnectors provide rigid structural support and tamper indication. The peripheral groove or perforations create a localized weak point that enables separation without compromising the overall container integrity. Each structural element serves a specific local function within the whole system.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C
Figure 2A
AI summary
Disposable containers with a tamper indicative hatch for sample removal, methods of manufacturing and using the same are described; the containers are configured with a closure essentially obstructing the hatch, so that upon opening the hatch, the container bears a visually apparent indication that the closure has been subjected to tampering and opening.